The first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) engineering development model pod delivered to the Navy is fit checked on an EA-18G Growler at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 in September. The fit check verifies the pod securely attaches to the Growler in preparation for flight tests scheduled to begin later this year.
The first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band Engineering Development Model pod arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River after a trek across America late July to begin various verification and test procedures in preparation for the second pod delivery early fall.
The T-45C Goshawk began Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) performance testing at the Runway Arrested Landing Site (RALS) located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 13. This series of testing ensures the new recovery system can support the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) air wing. In April, the trainer aircraft completed 60 arrestments at RALS during a five-day, risk-reduction test period utilized to evaluate AAG system integrated performance.
The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system received the green light to recover “props and jets” aircraft, according to the Aircraft Recovery Bulletin (ARB) released Aug. 2.
The ARBs enable propeller aircraft: C-2A Greyhound, E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, and jet aircraft: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler to perform flight operations aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
